Multiple tape apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method of forming sentences on a multi-tape playback machine by rapidly switching in a programmed sequence between various tapes on which fragments are recorded. Another feature is the provision of a tray which is adapted to accommodate various types of tape cartridges for use in a multi-tape machine. Still another feature is the provision of a rapid cartridge moving mechanism for engaging and disengaging the tape cartridges with the drive and playback head.

United States Patent [191 Burkhart Sept. 25, 1973 [54] MULTIPLE TAPE APPARATUS 2,944,825 7/1960 MacSinger 274/4 B 3,113,352 12/1963 Gibbs 292/201 [761 lnvemor- Burkhart 4041 Home 3,431,367 3/1969 Nicki 274 4 F Bellmgham, Wash.

[22] Filed: Dec. 13, 1971 Primary ExaminerHarry N. Haroian [211 pp No 207 009 Attorney-Seed, Berry, Dowrey and Cross Related US. Application Data 57] ABSTRACT [62] Division of Ser. No. 23,764, March 30, 1970.

' 1 A method of forming sentences on a multi-tape play- 52 US. Cl. 274/4 F back machine by rapidly Switching in a programmed [51] 1111.01. Gllb 15/29 Sequence between various tapes on which fragments [53] Field of Search H 274/4 B 4 F, 1 1 are recorded. Another feature is the provision of a tray 292/129, 201 l 10, 292; 179/1002 Z; 242/55, which is adapted to accommodate various types of tape 9 A, 180, 181 cartridges for use in a multi tape machine. Still another feature is the provision of a rapid cartridge moving I 56] References Cited mechanism for engaging and disengaging the tape car- UNITED STATES PATENTS tridges with the drive and playback head. 3,126,162 3/1964v 11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures MacKenzie 274/4 F PATENTEI] 5925873 sum 10F 3 INVENTOR. ERNEST C. BUR KHART g gam A TTORNEYS PArEmEnw'wm 3.781.098

SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR. ERNEST O. BURKHART ATTORNEYS MULTIPLE TAPE APPARATUS This is a division of application Ser. No. 23,764, filed Mar. 30, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to programmed tape recordings and, more particularly, to a method of forming sentences from recorded fragments and a multipletape machine for handling cartridges or the like.

2. Prior Art Relating to the Invention One technique heretofore known for playing programmed tape recordings has utilized various tape machine sources for obtaining a programmed sequence of transmitted information. Typical of this multiplesource technique has been programmedradio broadcasts in which music would be played from one machine having a large reel of tape and commercials or the likewould'be interjected between musical numbers on the tape from tape cartridges in a second machine. This type of technique will be referred to as multiplesource. Such a technique, although widely used in radio broadcasting, is expensive to operate because of the multiple-sources required.

In addition to multiple-source techniques, multipletape techniques employing a single source have been utilized. A single source technique, hereinafter referred to as multiple-tape machine," employs a plurality of tape cartridges which are generally driven from one or more common capstans with individual playback or recording heads aligned with each of the cartridges so that various musical numbers or the like can be obtained by programming a switching circuit to play various tapes. In general, the multiple-tape machines heretoforeused have been relatively slow in switching between the various tapes and their primary application has been for interjecting commercials or announcements between musical numbers inthe program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary feature of this invention is the method of forming sentences on a multiple-tape machine by rapidly switching in a programmed sequence between various tape cartridges each cartridge containing a sen tence fragment that is incomplete in and of itself. The method is advantageously employed in one application for transmitting information to airline passengers in an airport.

A second feature of the invention is to provide a multi-tape machine which is provided with a rapid cartridge moving mechanism to enable engagement and disengagement of the various tape cartridges with the drive and the playback or recording heads. Another feature is the provision of a tray for supporting the cartridge so that the multi-tape machine can accommodate various types of National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) standard cartridges. By the use of such a tray the cartridge may be quickly and easily replaced in the multi-tape machine while maintaining accurate alignment of the recording and/or playback heads and the drive with the tape in the cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric of a multi-tape machine employing the principles of the invention and capable of carrying out the method of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the multitape machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan of a portion of the machine shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the position of the cartridge movingjmechanism when the cartridge is in the engaged position.

FIG. 4 is a section taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary illustration of a portion of the machine shown in FIG. 3 illustrating the position of the cartridge moving mechanism when a tape cartridge is in the disengaged position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one circuit operable to form sentences on the multi-tape mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT other such forms of self-contained tape units also. In

general the multi-tape machine includes a housing 10 provided with a plurality of openfront drawers or receptacles 12 in which are slidably received a plurality of trays 14. The rearward portion of each receptacle is provided with a transducer head such as a playback head 16, and/or an erase or record head 18. Also provided is a continuously driven drive capstan 20, which in the preferred embodiment is common to all of the receptacles in a vertical row, and a rapid cartridge moving mechanism 22 to engage tape T against the drive and the transducing head. Various manual switch controls 23 for engaging any cartridge are provided on the forward face of the housing l0. In the preferred form the various cartridges are engaged through a programmer from a location remote from the housing.

The tray 14 includes a generally flat body 24 which at its rearward end, directions beingv designated with respect to the forward and rear ends of the housing 10, has a projection 14a which mounts. a post 26.The body 24 also includes a recess 14b on its rearward end which receives the drive capstan 20. The tray is positioned in the receptacle 12 by sliding the body 24 within laterally spaced channels 28 provided in the side walls and partitions of the housing 10. The tray is releasably held in an inserted position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, by a spring clip 30 that seats over a detent 31 provided on the upper surface of the body 24. When inserted but with the tape out of engagement with the capstan the detent rests slightly rearward of the bottom surface of the spring clip 30, however, when the tray is moved rearwardly to engage the tape with the capstan the detent is free to slide rearwardly beneath the spring clip. A cartridge C, shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3, is mounted on the tray 14 with one surface resting on the body 24. The cartridge is accurately located on the tray by a positioning button 32 and upright tabs 34. The tabs 34 engage the forward end of the cartridge C and are adjustably mounted by screws 36 to accommodate various sizes of cartridges. The cartridges suitable for use on the machine are those which are manufactured according to NAB specifications. Such cartridges are standardized to the extent of the positions of the openings providing'access to the interior of the cartridge and the general overall dimensions. Typical cartridges built to NAB standards are sold under the trade names Fidelapac, Tapex, and Marathon. Each of these conventional standard cartridges is provided with an opening 33a for receiving an erase, record or playback head, an opening 33b for receiving an erase, record or playback head, an opening 330 for receiving a capstan, and an opening 38 normally provided for pivotal pinch roller but in the instant invention for providing an aligning surface against which the positioning button 32 is seated.

The tray 14 is also provided with a pinch roller 39 of conventional resilient material which is rotatably mounted on the body 24. The pinch roller fits within an opening in the underside of the cartridge so that when the cartridge 'is installed on the body 24 the pinch roller is in close proximity to the interior surface of the tape T in the cartridge. It is thus apparent that a slight shifting of the tray 14 to the rear of the housing will pinch the tape between the pinch roller 38 and the capstan 20 to drive the tape past the transducer head. Advantages resulting from this unique tray 24 are thus apparent. One advantage is that the pinch roller is rotatably secured to the tray itself so that it does not need to be pivoted, and'is always accurately positioned with respect to the cartridge. Secondly, it is much easier to locate the tray with respect to the transducer head and capstan than to attempt to position a cartridge with respect to these elements. Thirdly, the tray is easily adjusted to accommodate various types of NAB standardized cartridges.

The cartridge moving mechanism 22 associated with each cartridge C is secured to the rearward end of the housing 10 and includes an elongated rocker arm 40 pivoted on an adjustable pivot 42. Near its end closest to the pivot 42 the rocker arm is engageable with an adjustable rocker arm limit screw 44. The opposite end of the rocker arm is pivoted to a bell crank 46 having one leg 46a pivotally secured to a solenoid arm 48 of a conventional fast-acting solenoid 50. When the solenoid is deenergized the bell crank is pivoted into the position shown in FIG. 5 by a spring 51. The other leg 46b of the bell crank is pivotally secured to a connector link 52 that is secured to the rocker arm. The cam 54 is provided with a grasping or first cam surface 56 which is operative to engage the post 26 and pull the tray rearwardly. A blocking or second cam surface 58 is provided on the cam to hold the tray forward in the housing when the tray is inserted into a receptacle. A gauge or third cam surface 60 is provided on the cam to en-v gage an adjustable cam stop member 61. The cam stop member 61 serves to position the post 26 of the tray a fixed distance away from the rearward end of the housing 10. Maintaining this fixed distance facilitates engagement of the post 26 by the first cam surface 56 when the solenoid is energized. A notch 62 is provided in the third cam surface 60 as a relief for the cam stop member 61 when the cam is in the position shown in FIG. 3. A recess 64 is provided in the cam and has its ends engageable with a pin 65 fixed to the elongated rocker arm. One end of the recess, when engaged with the pin, serves to limit rotation of the cam when the solenoid is deenergized. The other end of the recess causes the cam to pivot the elongated rocker arm when the solenoid is energized. The movement of the cam is unique in that it enables the pinch roller to be closely spaced to the tape when the solenoid is deenergized but quickly moves the pinch roller into engagement with the tape when the solenoid is energized. This movement is brought about by moving the first cam surface transversely of the tray 14 to hook onto the post 26 and then followed by rearward movement of the first cam surface to draw the tray rearwardly in the housing 10.

In FIG. 5 the cartridge moving mechanism is shown with the solenoid deenergized and the post 26 and thus tray 14 moved forwardly in the housing. The spring clip 30 prevents the tray from being slid too far forward in the housing. As is apparent from the foregoing description the movement of the tray caused by the cam is smooth and rapid so that the cartridges may be placed in the operative or inoperative positions quickly, thus allowing the formation of sentences from fragments recorded on the various tapes. In fact, the movement is fast enough to split a syllable of a word without being detected by the listener, that is a delay of only a few milliseconds. Positioning the cartridge moving mechanism at the rear of the housing advantageously provides a clean, uncluttered appearance on the forward face of the housing and makes interchanging of the various trays with different cartridges very simple. In addition,

the various components of the cartridge moving mechanism are easily accessable from the rear of the machine for adjustment or replacement.

As described above the trays 14 and cartridge-moving mechanism 22 uniquely provide for rapidly engaging and disengaging various tape cartridges in the multiple-tape machine. This unique apparatus coupled with a rapid switching circuit, as illustrated in FIG. 6,

together provide an apparatus suitable for carrying out the unique method of forming sentences from sentence fragments recorded on the various individual tapes. The method will now be described in conjunction with a description of the operation of the machine. In the form of the invention shown in the drawings a playback head 35 only is to be used; with the recording on the tapes being done after the cartridges are removed from the machine. The circuit could be suitably modified by one skilled in the art however to add the recording and- /or erase functions to the transducer heads illustrated.

The tape T is provided with conventional data and voice tracks. The playback head 35 includes a data track head 66 for picking up the data on the data track of the tape. Such data is customarily used in radio broadcasts for billing, logging, and like information. The data track for the purposes of this invention is also used for carrying a 150 hz signal indicating the end of a sentence fragment and a 1000 hz signal indicating the beginning of a sentence fragment. Although messages other than sentence fragments may be used, such as for conventional radio broadcasting, it is the unique feature of this method to utilize sentence fragments for forming complete coherent sentences and the invention will be described in relation to these sentence fragments.

Operation is initiated by an external start signal 68 from a conventional programmer 70 and may be stopped at any time by a stop signal 71 from an external source such as the programmer. In the invention described the stop signal is seldom if ever used since the 1000 hz signal performs this function internally from the tape. The start signal 68 passes through a one shot multi-vibrator 72 which performs two functions. First it turns on abi-stable flip flop 74 and secondly holds the flip flop in the on condition for a period of seconds to allow extraneous data to pass the data track head. Placing the flip flop in the on condition energizes a DC. amplifier 76 sending a power signal to energize the solenoid 50. The power signal is also transmitted to a conventional optic relay 78 which allows the voice or audio signal received by the voice track head 67 to be passed to the speakers or other audio output 79. It is thus apparent that energization of the solenoid 50 to begin driving the tape also energizes the transmission of the sentence fragment to the speakers.

The 1000 hz. signal is placed on the tape at the same location as the first syllable of the sentence fragment. After the sentence fragment has been played it is necessary to continue the tape to the beginning of the sentence fragment for repeat playback when the lOOO hz signal is picked up by the data track head 66, after the fragment has been played,'this signal is sensed by a selective sensor 80 which then passes a signal to the bistableflip flop 74 to place it in the reset or off condition. Placing the flip flop in the off" condition terminates the signal to the I ).C. amplifier 76 thus deenergizing the solenoid 50 and simultaneously deenergizing the optic relay 78 to block any further audio output or noise to the speakers. The length of tape required to hold a sentence fragment, which may be only one word, is slightly greater than necessary to carry the fragment and generally is of a length sufficient to allow 10 seconds of additional tape movement before the beginning of the sentence fragment again reaches the playback head. This extra tape is used to allow data to be passed; however, it may be eliminated in certain applications not requiring such data. It is thus apparent that once a sentence fragment has been completed it will in a very short time be in condition to be replayed'This feature greatly increases the versatility of the device since an almost continuous stream of sentences may be transmitted without waiting long periods for the tape to recycle. l

The 150 hz signal is located on the data track of the tape at the same location as the end of the sentence fragment on the voice track. Thus, when the sentence fragment is completed, the data track head 66 will re- .ceive the 150 hz signal sending it to a selective sensor 82 which sends a pulse to the programmer 70 to initiate the start signal 68 for the next cartridge to be played. In the preferred form of the invention it is to be understood that 47 other tape cartridges are available to be played with their sequence selected by the programmer 70. For example FIG. 6 also illustrates a second circuit or channel identical with the first circuit but adding the letter 0" to the reference numerals used for like components. The remaining 46 circuits not shown, are added in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 for the second channel.

As an example of how the method could be employed, assume the forty eight cartridges are numbered 1 to 48 with the tape of cartridge number one containing the sentence fragment United," cartridge number 4-Flight, cartridge number 5623" tape number l2-is now," cartridge number 26-arriving at, cartridge number l4-gate 12. Thus if the sentence United Flight 623 is now arriving at gate 12" is to be transmitted the programmer would be set to energize the various cartridges in the numerical sequence l-4-- 5-12-26-14. With the instantaneous switching triggered by the 150 cycle tones at the end of each fragment the listener would hear only a continuous sentence. Suitable programming techniques could be used, of course, to change the program sequence at any time so that parts of the sentence could be changed to vary the message. The programmer can be of any conventional type well known in this art and the circuit components are all likewise individually conventional.

While the preferred form of the invention has been illustrated and described it should be understood that variations therein will be apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the invention. It is therefor intended that the scope of the inven-. tion is to be limited only by the scope and proper inter-. pretation of the claims appended hereto. The embodiments of the invention inwhich a particular property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In a playback apparatus having a housing with a plurality of aligned receptacles for receiving standard NAB tape cartridges which hold recording tape and having a pair of opposite parallel sides at least one of which includes an enlarged opening normally intended to receive a pivoted pinch roller, and including in the rear of said apparatus a plurality of playback heads and a capstan for driving the tapes, the improvement com prising tray means having forward and rearward ends and adapted to be slidably received in one of said receptacles for movement toward the rear of said apparatus, said tray means including a rotatable pinch roller I on a stationary post positionable in said enlarged opening adjacent one side thereof and holding means on said tray means for locating the cartridge on the tray means, said holding means including rearward stop means positioned within said enlarged opening and engageable with the opposite'forward side thereof for preventing rearward movement of the cartridge relative to the tray means, and forward stop means forwardly of said rearward stop means and engageable with the outside of said cartridge for preventing forward movement of said cartridge relative to the tray means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 said forward stop means including an upright tab adjustable toward said forward and rearward ends for varying the space between the forward and rearward stop means to accommodate various sized standard NAB cartridges.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 said rearward stop means including a locating pin.

4. Apparatus for positioning a tape in a multiple tape machine between operative and inoperative modes comprising; tray means for carrying a tape and movable along a predetermined path, transducer means and tape drive means disposed in said path, and means for pulling said tray means along said path for engaging the tape with said tape drive means and said transducer means, said means for pulling said tray means including actuator means, and linkage means operatively coupling said actuator means with said tray means for moving the tray means along the path, said linkage means including positive stop means for blocking movement of said tray means toward said tape drive means when placed in a ready position, and automatically unblocking the cartridge upon energization of said actuator means so that the cartridge tape can engage the tape drive only when the actuator means is energized.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 said actuator mean including a solenoid, said linkage means including a rotatable cam member, said positive stop means for blocking movement of said tray means including a blocking surface on said cam member, and a grasping surface on said cam member engageable with said tray means for pulling said tray means when said cam member is rotated to move said blocking means into an unblocking position.

6. The apparatus of claim said linkage means including means for rotating said cam member and then moving said cam member along said path to move the grasping surface laterally and then linearly along said path.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 said linkage means including an elongated lever arm pivoted at one end and coupled to said solenoid for pivotal movement toward said tape drive means, said cam member being pivotally mounted on said lever arm, and means for simultaneously pivoting said cam member while said solenoid is moving the lever arm to pull said tray means toward said tape drive means.

8. The apparatus of claim said positive stop means including a gauge surface on said cam member to prevent movement of said blocking surface in a direction toward said tape drive means.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 said linkage means including a post secured to said tray means and engageable by said grasping surface on said cam means.

10. Apparatus for positioning a tape in a multiple tape machine between operative and inoperative modes comprising;

tray means for carrying a tape for movement along a predetermined path, transducer and tape drive means disposed in said path, and post means secured'to said tray means at one end thereof,

cam means having a first surface engageable with said post means for positively'pulling said tray means into said operative mode, and actuator means for actuating said cam means, said actuator means being operable to move said first surface generally transversely of said tray means and then longitudinally of said tray means whereby the first cam surface engages said post means during said transverse movement and pulls the post means into the operative mode during said second movement, said actuator means including an elongated rocker arm mounted near one end for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot, a bell crank pivotally mounted at the opposite end of said rocker arm and having one leg pivotally mounted to a reciprocable solenoid arm and another leg pivotally mounted to a connector link, said connector link being pivotally 7 connected at its free end to said cam means, said cam means being pivotally mounted on said rocker arm, a third cam surface on said cam means engageable with an adjustable cam stop member and having-a notch for receiving said cam stop member when said first cam surface is moved into an operative position, a rocker arm limit member adjustably mounted for engagement with the end of said rocker arm closest to said fixed pivot, and a spring for biasing said first cam means into the inoperative position. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said cam means includes a second surface opposed to said first surface and movable against said post means to slide said tray means into the inoperative position. 

1. In a playback apparatus having a housing with a plurality of aligned receptacles for receiving standard NAB tape cartridges which hold recording tape and having a pair of opposite parallel sides at least one of which includes an enlarged opening normally intended to receive a pivoted pinch roller, and including in the rear of said apparatus a plurality of playback heads and a capstan for driving the tapes, the improvement comprising tray means having forward and rearward ends and adapted to be slidably received in one of said receptacles for movement toward the rear of said apparatus, said tray means includinG a rotatable pinch roller on a stationary post positionable in said enlarged opening adjacent one side thereof and holding means on said tray means for locating the cartridge on the tray means, said holding means including rearward stop means positioned within said enlarged opening and engageable with the opposite forward side thereof for preventing rearward movement of the cartridge relative to the tray means, and forward stop means forwardly of said rearward stop means and engageable with the outside of said cartridge for preventing forward movement of said cartridge relative to the tray means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 said forward stop means including an upright tab adjustable toward said forward and rearward ends for varying the space between the forward and rearward stop means to accommodate various sized standard NAB cartridges.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 said rearward stop means including a locating pin.
 4. Apparatus for positioning a tape in a multiple tape machine between operative and inoperative modes comprising; tray means for carrying a tape and movable along a predetermined path, transducer means and tape drive means disposed in said path, and means for pulling said tray means along said path for engaging the tape with said tape drive means and said transducer means, said means for pulling said tray means including actuator means, and linkage means operatively coupling said actuator means with said tray means for moving the tray means along the path, said linkage means including positive stop means for blocking movement of said tray means toward said tape drive means when placed in a ready position, and automatically unblocking the cartridge upon energization of said actuator means so that the cartridge tape can engage the tape drive only when the actuator means is energized.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 said actuator mean including a solenoid, said linkage means including a rotatable cam member, said positive stop means for blocking movement of said tray means including a blocking surface on said cam member, and a grasping surface on said cam member engageable with said tray means for pulling said tray means when said cam member is rotated to move said blocking means into an unblocking position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 said linkage means including means for rotating said cam member and then moving said cam member along said path to move the grasping surface laterally and then linearly along said path.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 said linkage means including an elongated lever arm pivoted at one end and coupled to said solenoid for pivotal movement toward said tape drive means, said cam member being pivotally mounted on said lever arm, and means for simultaneously pivoting said cam member while said solenoid is moving the lever arm to pull said tray means toward said tape drive means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 15 said positive stop means including a gauge surface on said cam member to prevent movement of said blocking surface in a direction toward said tape drive means.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 said linkage means including a post secured to said tray means and engageable by said grasping surface on said cam means.
 10. Apparatus for positioning a tape in a multiple tape machine between operative and inoperative modes comprising; tray means for carrying a tape for movement along a predetermined path, transducer and tape drive means disposed in said path, and post means secured to said tray means at one end thereof, cam means having a first surface engageable with said post means for positively pulling said tray means into said operative mode, and actuator means for actuating said cam means, said actuator means being operable to move said first surface generally transversely of said tray means and then longitudinally of said tray means whereby the first cam surface engages said post means during said transverse movement and pulls the post means into the operative mode during said second movement, said actuator means incluDing an elongated rocker arm mounted near one end for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot, a bell crank pivotally mounted at the opposite end of said rocker arm and having one leg pivotally mounted to a reciprocable solenoid arm and another leg pivotally mounted to a connector link, said connector link being pivotally connected at its free end to said cam means, said cam means being pivotally mounted on said rocker arm, a third cam surface on said cam means engageable with an adjustable cam stop member and having a notch for receiving said cam stop member when said first cam surface is moved into an operative position, a rocker arm limit member adjustably mounted for engagement with the end of said rocker arm closest to said fixed pivot, and a spring for biasing said first cam means into the inoperative position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said cam means includes a second surface opposed to said first surface and movable against said post means to slide said tray means into the inoperative position. 